Jenkins tells of the ten pressures

Neil Jenkins has experienced the pressure at the top

Neil Jenkins has warned Iestyn Harris about the added pressures that come with wearing the Wales number ten jersey.

Jenkins, who has won a record 84 caps for his country, says the expectation on the player in the fabled shirt is like no other.

"There must be something wrong with us to put all that pressure on one number, one player," he told BBC Radio Wales' The Back Page programme.

"It has never changed for as long as I can remember, probably from the 1950s up to now. That's the pressure that the players have to get used to.

"I tried to accept it, although it was difficult, and I am sure it will be a tough day for Iestyn.

Iestyn Harris can expect the weight of the nation on his shoulders

"But he's a top-class player and I am sure he'll cope with it very well."

The 30-year-old Jenkins, who is the record points scorer in international rugby, said he dealt with the pressure in his own way.

"I just try and switch off," he said. "I'm just one of the players at the end of the day.

"As far as I see it I am chuffed to be wearing the number 10, but I also visualise that I'm not and I'm just another player trying to do my best for my country."

Jenkins, who has been out injured since the British Lions tour, will watch Harris against Argentina on Saturday and also has to contend with the rugby league convert at his club side, Cardiff.

But that's not something he is too bothered about.

"I am hoping to be running again in the new year and I'm looking forward to getting back in action.

"I'm never one to have backed down from a challenge and I have done all right in my career.

"As I said, Iestyn's a class act, but I will be giving it my best shot."